It is hoped that these few Q & A examples
will help when things draw near to the end for your pet.

Q. How can I tell when my animal should
be 'put down'?

A. This is a very good question and a
very important one. There is probably no absolutely correct answer. In general,
we believe that if an animal is participating in life and appears to be enjoying
aspects of life, then it is not ready to go. It is important that an animal
should be allowed to maintain dignity. There are species differences. Dogs and
cats can probably order their affairs so that the end comes naturally and
gently, at a chosen moment, so long as they are fed through life on natural
foods and have not been subjected to a lot of drug treatment or vaccination.
This is less clear for herbivores like cattle and horses, who would be dealt
with by predators, in the wild, when less able to keep up with the herd. It is
more likely that you will have to intervene for horses, cattle, sheep, goats,
donkeys etc. than with dogs and cats. However, there are occasions when even
cats and dogs cannot find their own way out, despite life having become a real
burden. When to intervene, in such circumstances, is a very difficult matter but
usually it is clear that the sparkle in the eyes has dimmed and that the zest
for life has gone.

Q. Can animals die naturally, without
cruelty?

A. In many cases, particularly with
cats and dogs, this can be possible. After all, death is as natural as birth.
However, an unnatural lifestyle can lead to this natural mechanism functioning
less well (e.g. lack of a suitable natural diet through life and the influence
of frequent or persistent drug treatment and over-vaccination). Each case must
be assessed own its own circumstances. We must try to preserve dignity and
welfare, balanced with the fact that we should think very carefully before
taking a life prematurely.